Key Highlights:
New Delhi/Hyderabad, April 3, 2025: In a significant move to address ongoing environmental concerns, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday ordered an immediate halt to the felling of trees in the disputed Kancha Gachibowli forest area of Hyderabad. The decision comes after disturbing reports emerged of large-scale deforestation being carried out over the extended holiday weekend.
A Bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih directed the Chief Secretary of Telangana to ensure no further trees are cut until the top court issues further orders. The Court also asked the Registrar (Judicial) of the Telangana High Court to visit the site immediately and submit an interim status report by 3:30 PM today.
Origin of the Case: Forest or Infrastructure Land?
The case centers around a 400-acre plot in Kancha Gachibowli, which is proposed to be auctioned by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd. (TGIIC) for IT infrastructure development. However, serious concerns have been raised about the land being part of a forest zone and eco-sensitive area.
According to multiple reports, the region is not only home to at least eight species of scheduled animals but also functions as an ecological buffer for the city of Hyderabad, often referred to as the “lungs of the city.”
Amicus Curiae Flags the Issue in Court
The Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter after Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae in the TN Godavarman forest protection case, highlighted news reports and visuals showing extensive tree cutting in Kancha Gachibowli.
He informed the Court that authorities were taking advantage of long public holidays to rush through the clearing of forest cover, sparking alarm among environmentalists and students alike.
“The news items show how the authorities have acted under the cover of a long weekend to accelerate tree felling,” the Court noted in its order.
Court Issues Strict Directions
The Supreme Court order clearly states:
“We direct the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana to ensure that, until further orders are passed by this Court, no tree felling shall be permitted in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area.”
Additionally, the Court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, directing the Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) to inspect the site and provide a factual status update without delay.
Protests by Students and Civil Society
The tree felling has sparked widespread protests, particularly from students of the University of Hyderabad, located near the disputed land. Demonstrators have clashed with police in recent days, attempting to prevent the clearing of trees and demanding a halt to what they call “environmental destruction in the name of development.”
Two former students were reportedly arrested, highlighting the growing tensions between protestors and authorities.
Parallel Proceedings in Telangana High Court
While the Supreme Court is examining the broader environmental and legal concerns, the Telangana High Court is already hearing petitions challenging the legality of the land clearance. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is scheduled to appear in the matter.
Clarifying the jurisdictional scope, the Supreme Court said:
“We clarify that we are not staying the proceedings before the High Court of Telangana.”
This effectively allows both courts to continue addressing the matter in parallel, though the Supreme Court’s stay on tree felling stands as a binding nationwide directive.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Precedents
The case has drawn parallels with past landmark environmental cases such as the TN Godavarman vs Union of India, where the Supreme Court established broad protections for forest lands and biodiversity.
Environmentalists argue that Telangana’s move to auction the land—without proper forest clearance or environmental impact assessments—violates both central and state-level environmental regulations.
They also point out that Kancha Gachibowli falls under ecologically fragile terrain, warranting strict conservation measures, especially in light of the climate crisis.
What’s Next?
- Status Report Deadline: Telangana High Court Registrar (Judicial) must submit an on-ground report by 3:30 PM today.
- Next Hearing: The Supreme Court has listed the matter for hearing at 3:45 PM on the same day.
- Awaiting Government Stand: The Telangana government is yet to submit a formal reply or defense regarding the ongoing clearance and auction plans.
- Student and Public Mobilization: Demonstrations and petitions are expected to grow as activists rally around the cause.
The Supreme Court’s decisive intervention in the Kancha Gachibowli deforestation case highlights the growing conflict between urban development and environmental conservation in India’s rapidly expanding cities. As both legal and civic responses unfold in real-time, the case is fast becoming a test of how India balances infrastructure ambitions with ecological accountability.
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